~ Chapter Fifty- Five ~

Deciding Destiny

Hours passed, and unlike the last time she danced in front of a crowd within the Great Hall of Hel, she was now freely dancing to celebrate life, family, and love.

Although Brooklyn had once told her that he wasn't the best dancer, she disagreed with that now because something shifted between them when they danced. She contributed it to her new form, her wings, bond, and the music, but with every twirl, movement, and dance step they took together, it was like magic.

She and Brooklyn were one.

In every way.

With every step Brooklyn led with, Rose confidently followed, and they mastered the dance floor. Moving with him was natural, instinctual, and getting lost in his eyes through every move they made with their bodies, they fell even more in love with each other.

By now, they were surrounded by their clan, and Akira, Angela, Lexington, and Broadway had joined them in dancing. All were laughing, sweating, and thoroughly out of breath.

Nearby, Goliath and Elisa were dancing, and some of the other clans, such as Abigail, Abel, Coco, Staghart, and Griff.

Brooklyn spun Rose around, then dipped her down low and kissed her on the lips.

They kissed deeply for a few seconds, and when he pulled her gently back up, the song ended. Applause rang out from everyone in the room, and by now, most of the Children, Asgardians, and Third Race beings had found the elven wine and were getting drunk.

Brooklyn suddenly pulled Rose close to him. "Do you want to take a break and get some air?"

"Yes, please," Rose laughed, panting. "That sounds amazing!"

Pulling her by the hand, Brooklyn led her from the hot-dance room and out towards a balcony. A cool-summer breeze lightly touched their faces and cooled them down. Coming to an outlook, she rested herself over the balcony and gazed out at the beautiful world around them.

"That was so much fun," she said quietly as he rested himself on his forearms next to her. "I never thought I'd enjoy dancing, but ever since being in this new form and having gone through what I've gone through… I must admit… that I'm kind of falling in love with it."

"Huh, and here I thought I was your one and only love?" Brooklyn teased, grinning. Rose chuckled and reached her hand out to caress his beaked jaw.

"You are."

Brooklyn placed his claws upon her hips and drew her near to kiss when they both heard and felt someone approach them.

"Oh, there you two are. We've been looking for you."

Brooklyn and Rose turned, and sure enough, it was Lord Oberon and Queen Titania approaching them.

Rose smiled at them and inclined her head respectfully. "My Lord and Lady."

"There's no need for that," Oberon said kindly. "Remember, you bow to no one, Goddess Rose."

Rose nodded but didn't know how to respond. 'Thank you,' seemed out of place, as did a simple, 'okay.' Smiling awkwardly, she settled on complimenting him back.

"I love what you've done with Avalon. For a moment there, during battle, I was fearful that it was going to remain forever destroyed."

Oberon chuckled and looked out at his world with admiration. "You were right, Rose, Avalon did still need me…" He paused, then grinned, "to clean up after you."

"Me?"

"You set the world on fire, did you not?"

She stared into his vibrant blue eyes, and though Brooklyn and Titania looked between them nervously, both he and Rose suddenly snorted out laughing.

"I did; it's true," she admitted. "Sorry about that."

"No, sorry is necessary, especially from the Savior of this world and the Goddess of Death," Oberon chuckled. "For once, I believe that you will finally keep things in balance, but just remember that everyone eventually makes mistakes. So, to help prevent too many, Anubis has already agreed to help train you as you shuffle souls to and fro the two Underworlds. Hel's and the Mortal. I know it's a big responsibility, but Anubis has agreed to help you, and I trust him with my life. He'll be a fine teacher for you."

Rose smiled warily at him. Training? Shuffling Souls from the Underworlds? She had a horrible sensation that her heart had sunk into her stomach. Hadn't she freed herself from this world? From this place? She quickly glanced over at Brooklyn nervously, who instantly took charge.

"What are you talking about, my Lord?" Brooklyn asked carefully.

"Her duty as Goddess of Death, of course," Oberon explained smoothly. "It's a huge responsibility- one I have no doubt you'll excel at. Now that you are an immortal, like the rest of us, I know we'll be in safe hands for thousands upon thousands of years until you pass your duty onto your children or successors."

Rose flinched at his words, and shock and wary turned into horror. Nobody had mentioned anything like this to her before. Not even Hela or Demetrius. Opening and shutting her mouth in shock, she looked over at Brooklyn again, and he looked just as troubled.

Brooklyn rested his claws upon Rose's shoulders and helped her body from trembling.

"I'm sorry, I must have heard you wrong, or I am not understanding, but it sounds like you are going to use Rose as a member of your Children and their duties?"

"Yes, that's precisely what I'm saying," Oberon said, looking between them, in slight confusion. "It is a great honor, and she has more than earned her right and my trust in doing so."

"But, but…" Brooklyn tried again, "I thought Anubis was the God of Death."

"He is."

"Then, why do you still need Rose to help in this work?"

"Shuffling Souls from this Earth to either move on or help them with their unfinished business takes a lot of work. Anubis cannot do it alone," Oberon explained softly. "Besides, it is a duty Rose has always been destined to do. It's in her bloodline through my brother's side. Hel cannot just remain unoccupied. That is how chaos can settle in."

Rose lowered her gaze. "I understand."

"But?" Titania suddenly asked. When Rose looked up at her, she smiled knowingly at her, as if she could sense her hesitation.

"But…" Rose began, sighed, then said, "I don't want this responsibility."

Oberon's eyes widened. "You… what?"

Rose swallowed, then took a steadying breath and looked into Oberon's eyes. Standing her ground.

"With all due respect, my Lord, in my time being imprisoned by my father in Hel, I have come to realize a lot about myself, my powers, and what I can or can't handle. I have matured, grown stronger, more confident, and am just barely touching the depths of my powers; however, the main thing I have learned from all of this is that no one can determine my destiny. I am in charge of my life, and my destiny is what I make of it."

Oberon's eyes widened slightly. He didn't look angry but shocked. Rose smiled kindly at him and Titania.

"I thank you for all you've done for me, my Clan, and all those we love, but I have been away from my home long enough." She turned in Brooklyn's arms and smiled at him. "Now that I have fulfilled the Prophecy, I want to claim my future with my mate and live out the rest of our days in peace."

Oberon stared at her for a few seconds, then blinked his shock away. "But, but… you are the Goddess of Death, Rose."

"Yes, but Anubis has been a God of Death for much longer than I, and he's good at what he does," Rose countered gently. "Shouldn't the title just be given to him?"

At this, Oberon looked at Titania, unsure what to say, and Titania turned, waved her arms, and created a portal.

"Let us discuss this with Anubis and see what he thinks." Her voice then carried and echoed. "Anubis, Jackal God of Death, We wish to speak with you."

Anubis arrived instantly within a bright green light, stood before them, and bowed.

"My Lord and Lady? You've called for me?"

"Ah, yes, Anubis," Oberon said. "We were just talking to Rose about her future as the Goddess of Death, and she has let us know of her wishes."

"Oh?" Anubis's tone was light. Rose opened her mouth to speak, but Oberon beat her to it.

"She says that she does not wish to have the title nor share any of the responsibility. What are your thoughts on this?"

Rose sighed. "Now, hang on-"

"If she does not wish to be the Goddess of Death, then I suppose she does not have to fulfill any more than what was required of her," Anubis said quietly, looking over at her with his bright red eyes. "Although she is Third Race blood, she did not grow up with the burden of needing to fulfill such responsibilities. If she wishes to return to her human life with her mate, then that is her decision." He looked over at Oberon now. "I, however, shall continue to do my duty in bringing souls from the mortal world onward. It is a lonely calling, but it is something I'm used to by now."

His words dug into her heart deeply. Rose sighed again, lowered her gaze, and shut her eyes. Normally, this wouldn't have bothered her, but something felt wrong with her decision. She and Brooklyn hadn't discussed anything much about what was next because part of it was that they simply didn't know, but now she did.

Oberon looked at Titania once, then over at Rose and Brooklyn. His eyes were a bit sad with her decision, but he looked accepting of it, regardless.

"So, this is your decision, then?"

"I…" Rose began, looking at them and Anubis, then finally said heavily, "No, it's not."

"What?" Oberon asked.

"Rose," Brooklyn whispered, looking down at her, "babe, what do you mean?"

Rose took another deep breath, then straightened her back and raised her chin.

"Lord Oberon, you've taken me by surprise by what you expect out of me, simply because of a title that my mother passed onto me. I haven't been able to discuss this with my mate yet, but I cannot fully turn away from who I am. I have discovered my true self, and I think it's best if I stop running from it, but neither can I fully accept all of the responsibilities." She looked into Brooklyn's imploring eyes for a few seconds, took his claw in comfort, then turned to Anubis. "If… I helped you bring souls from the Underworlds; instead of being the sole Goddess responsible, but an assistant to you, would that be alright?"

Anubis considered this, then said, "I see no issues with that."

Rose nodded. "Then I have conditions."

"You've but to name them."

"My mate, my son, and my Clan comes first," Rose said, "no matter what happens. No matter how many people have died or how many souls need our attention, if my family needs me, then they come first."

Oberon raised his eyebrow at her and turned to Anubis. "That sounds agreeable, but what do you say?"

"I am fine with that," Anubis said.

Rose nodded. "I will be there to help, do my part in helping out, learn from him about the different realms, and learn what more my power can do- but nothing more. Is that fair?"

No one said a word for a few seconds.

Oberon was looking at her with his chin resting in his hands, Titania was smiling, and Anubis simply stood there. But, Rose looked to Oberon this time.

Finally, he nodded.

"Yes, that… could… work. Anubis?"

"I will train her," Anubis said, nodding. "Since time runs differently between our worlds and the mortal one, I could train you for an hour here, let's say, once a week? In mortal time, that's one full day, once a month. Is that reasonable?"

Rose thought so but turned to Brooklyn, wanting his input. "My love? What are your thoughts on this?"

A few seconds passed as Brooklyn stared at Lord Oberon, Anubis, and her, thinking and contemplating their agreement, then finally sighed heavily. Taking her hands in his, he held her close.

"Rose, are you sure about this?"

Rose smiled and nodded. "I am. Now, while I meant it when I said that I don't want the full responsibility of being the Goddess of Death, I, however, can't turn my back on who I am, either. I will spend my time with you, our son, and our life back home, but I also have an obligation to the Third Race's world." When he didn't respond, she caressed his jaw, and whispered, "do you understand that I am still needed here?"

Brooklyn exhaled deeply, took her hands in his, and nodded. "Yes, my love. I understand…" he looked up at the others now. "Alright. One day, once a month. I suppose we could find a babysitter for Nashville during the daytime hours. Though I must admit that I am not okay nor comfortable with the idea of someone else watching my child while my wife is far away and I'm in my stone sleep. Not at all."

"Your son will not leave Rose's side," Titania suddenly added. "She will bring him with her to Avalon and while she's training with Anubis. Ilana, my handmaiden, and friend to Rose would be thrilled to watch him for a short while, I am sure."

Brooklyn stared at Titania as Rose thought it through. Mulling it over, she finally nodded.

"That may work."

Brooklyn still looked unconvinced, but exhaling deeply, he then said, "Alright. If it's only for one day out of the month, and our son is either with Rose or Ilana, I guess I can live with it."

Oberon clapped his hands. "Wonderful! Then, it's settled. Thank you, Anubis. I'm glad we've gotten this all worked out."

Anubis bowed his head but didn't depart like Rose thought he would. Instead, he continued to stare at her.

"I will come to you within the week, our time, one month yours," he said softly. "You may pick the time that works best for you, as well as how you are feeling physically, for it's best if you limit the amount of shape-shifting you do while you are pregnant."

"Oh?" Rose asked. "Why can't I shape-shift?"

"You can," Titania answered, "but only when you are in your second trimester. You are quite lucky that nothing went wrong when your father forced you to strip your human form. Seeing how your stomach is showing now, I would say that you are in your second trimester or were in the early stages."

"I guess." Rose nodded, honestly having no idea, but it sounded about right.

"Women usually try to avoid shape-shifting during their first trimester and last," Titania continued. "But you may need to when you give birth." She then paused. "You will be in your Fae form when you give birth, won't you?"

Rose stared at her, then gave Brooklyn a quick, nervous glance.

"I suppose so," she said quietly. "I haven't been able to get everything quite worked out when it comes to my pregnancy. I've been focusing on surviving for far too long to enjoy this time in my life, but my doctor back home might take our son out during a cesarean section surgery. I think that's what we've discussed, and since I now know that our son will be capable of shape-shifting, it might be best and safer for me that way."

"I would agree," Titania said thoughtfully, "wings can get stuck in a woman's pelvis, killing both mother and child during birth. That is what kills many female Faeries. So, take special care not to be in your Human form. Your magical form and medical science may be your best bet if you are to survive."

Brooklyn froze next to her, staring at Titania in horrified shock, and Rose smiled a forced smile at her, completely irritated now.

"Thank you… so much... for that."

"You have nothing more to fear," Anubis suddenly added quietly. "Yours and your mate's futures are bright. I can sense your anxieties but do not dwell on them. Enjoy this night, and worry not, and to do that, I will take my leave of you." He bowed before her. "I will call upon you soon, Rose. Until then, good night."

"Thank you, Anubis," Rose said with a sigh of relief. She needed to hear that, and seeing the way Brooklyn was relaxing, he needed to listen to those words as well. Anubis then disappeared into a bright green light, leaving her, Brooklyn, Titania, and Oberon alone.

"Forgive us," Titania instantly said, turning to face them again. "We did not come out here to bother you both, nor frighten you with uncertainties."

"It's alright," Rose said, leaning into Brooklyn, who wrapped her into his chest. "You've just presented Brooklyn and me with quite an assortment of questions and larger- scaled decisions to be made when he and I haven't even had a chance to discuss anything yet. We haven't yet had a proper discussion when it comes to our future and our child. The birth plan. Nothing. We've been separated this entire time or dealing with a war."

"Well, worry not," Titania said kindly. "Anubis is right. You both have a bright future in store and have plenty of time to discuss things still and prepare for the birth of your child." She glanced at Oberon, then smiled. "Which leads us to the real reason why we wanted to find you both in the first place. We have a gift we'd like to give to you both, in honor of what you two have done for us, Avalon, and the world."

"Oh, you don't have to -" Rose began, but Oberon held a hand up.

"No, please. We'd love to."

Reaching a hand into his cape, he pulled out a necklace. At the base of the chain was a large, circular red, orange stone that was clear, glittering, and stunning to look at.

"It's technically for Brooklyn, but the gift is for both of you," Titania said, smiling at their awe-struck faces.

"Me?" Brooklyn asked, blinking.

Titania nodded. "This gemstone is called the Sunstone. It is native to this world, but we have used magic from the sun amulet, which powers the Mayan clan's necklaces, and have put it within this one."

Oberon handed it to Brooklyn, who took it with great care, and added, "The wearer of this necklace will stay awake past dawn, as the Mayan clan does."

They looked up at them now, and Rose gasped. "Does this mean...?"

"If Brooklyn puts this on, he'll not turn to stone during the day," Titania said, smiling at them. "We thought it would be a valuable gift when your baby comes. I'm sure Brooklyn will willingly miss some sleep to help you get some. Heaven knows you'll be up all hours, as all mothers are, with any newborn."

"Wow," Brooklyn muttered, looking up at them and smiling, "thank you. This is cool and will come in handy. I have often worried about Rose during the day without any help from me, but now… I can be around to help out." He placed the necklace around his neck, right over the chained necklace which held his wedding ring.

Rose smiled as she stared at them both.

"Thank you," Brooklyn repeated.

"You're welcome," Titania said softly. "We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you've done. And we know that while this gift is a small gesture, we hope it'll be a meaningful one."

"It is," Rose whispered, touching the beautiful stone resting against Brooklyn's breastplate, with tears filling her eyes, "it is." She paused and looked into his eyes. "You've given me the gift of time. I get to spend more time with the love of my life, and that... is priceless."

Brooklyn smiled at her as she turned to look at Oberon and Titania and tearfully whispered, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Oberon said, nodding and taking Titania by the waist. "Now, we still have to obtain more to be made, but will you let your clan know that I intend to have more sunstones made for each of them so that they may look upon the sun whenever they wish, as well? And eventually, all the gargoyles who came to help will have the same reward."

Brooklyn gasped, and Rose looked at him with an endearing smile. "Yes," he whispered in awe, "yes, I will. Wow… thank you! That is such a generous gift."

"Warriors such as yourselves more than deserve it," Oberon said, bowing his head at Brooklyn. "Now, until then, we'll leave you both to the rest of this glorious evening. I take it you'll soon venture back home?"

Rose snuggled into Brooklyn, hugging him tighter, as he answered him, "Yes, I am assuming we will."

Oberon nodded. "Then good luck. I reckon we'll see each other soon."

"Not too soon," Rose teased him, and when Oberon grinned back at her, it was a mirrored smile as if he were silently agreeing.

Yes, not too soon.

Then, with a flash of green light, both he and Titania disappeared and finally left Brooklyn and Rose alone. Sighing in relief, Brooklyn shut his eyes, rested his beak upon her head, and held her tightly to him.

"Finally. Alone, at last…"

Rose smiled against his breastplate and suddenly snorted, "Um, not… quite."

"Huh?"

Brooklyn looked down at her when Broadway's voice called out across the balcony. "Hey, Brook! Rose! There you two are!"

Brooklyn groaned and went dead weight over her to be dramatic, making her giggle.

"Yeah," Lexington added, "we've been looking for you everywhere."

Rose chuckled against Brooklyn's chest and pulled away to look at him. His dreamy eyes mirrored the starlit sky above them. "You best get used to this, you know," she whispered, placing his claws upon her stomach, "because once this little one joins our family, we'll hardly ever get alone time."

Brooklyn exhaled a laugh and nodded. "Yeah, I suppose that's true." He paused, smiled cheekily, then said, "Unless… we find ourselves babysitters. You know, every once in a while."

Rose grinned, then, at the same time, they both looked at their siblings' approaching figures. "Hmm, yes," she said lightly. "You were thinking the same thing I was, my love."

Brooklyn chuckled, squeezed her, and kissed her forehead. "I wonder who we'll pick."

"Yes," Rose giggled and rolled her eyes sarcastically, "a total mystery."

"Hey, you two love birds," Angela said. "Why did you guys stop dancing?"

"Tired," Rose said, as Brooklyn added, "too hot."

"Ah, can't keep up with us anymore? Getting too old?" Lexington mocked.

"No," Rose laughed, "but you try carrying a hybrid-child within you and see if you're tired or not."

"Alright, alright," Lexington said, throwing his claws up, "touché."

"What is that?" Akira suddenly asked, pointing to the sunstone on Brooklyn's chest.

"A gift from Oberon and Titania," Brooklyn explained, looking down at it and touching it carefully. "It's called the sunstone and has the same powers as the sun amulet. With it around my neck, I'll be able to stay awake after dawn."

"Oh, wow!" Broadway gasped. "Oberon gave that to you?"

"Yup." Brooklyn grinned at him, and Broadway's face fell slightly.

"Lucky. I wish we could see the sun." He blinked and thought of something. "You know, we could share it, you know? Angela and I could babysit your son for a few hours, while you two…" he paused, then added in slowly and carefully, "do... whatever it is you like to do, and then we get to use the sunstone for babysitting."

Brooklyn laughed. "Oh, you're definitely babysitting, but there's no need to share mine."

Everyone blinked at him.

"Why not?" Angela asked, and Brooklyn smiled at her.

"Because Oberon said that he's planning on having one made for each of us. In reward for what we did to help Avalon."

Instant hoots and hollers erupted from the others, making Rose and Brooklyn laugh.

"Oh, man…!" Lexington exclaimed. "How cool is that? We're going to see the sun finally!"

"Well, you can't look at it," Rose added, chuckling. "Do that, and it could blind you, but you'll enjoy its warmth and how much more colorful things are during the day."

"That sounds so nice," Akira breathed, leaning into Lexington's arms.

"Yeah," Angela added, doing the same against Broadway, "it sounds beautiful!"

"Eh, it's alright," Brooklyn added cheekily, "I've seen the sun before, but I'll tell you guys what…" he looked down at Rose now and smiled warmly at her. "There are things we see every night that are way more divine than that of the sun."

Rose smiled lovingly up at him and leaned closer to his lips when Lexington suddenly asked, "What? Sending criminals to jail?"

Brooklyn looked at him with a dry expression, but he was grinning at him. "Oh, oh, you mean Rose," Lexington added, "I got you."

Akira giggled. "I think he meant Angela and myself as well, my love."

"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner." Brooklyn quipped, pointing a claw at her. The others laughed as Lexington kissed Akira's forehead.

"I knew that. I was just kidding."

After the laughter calmed down, Brooklyn, Broadway, and Lexington leaned against the balcony railing, with their mates resting in their arms, looking out at the beautiful night sky.

"Man," Broadway suddenly sighed, "I don't know about you guys, but I'll be glad for another night of sleep. This journey has me pooped."

"Yeah," Angela sighed, "but we can at least bring our egg home. In just a few more months, we'll have a gargoyle child." She stopped then looked at Rose. "Maybe close to the same time as yours!"

Rose smiled at her and nodded. "I hope so! But, we'll have to see what my body does and, more importantly, what Nashville decides to do."

"Nashville?" Akira whispered.

"Yeah," Brooklyn added quietly, "Gnash for short. We have a son and saw him in the Underworld. "

Squeals of excitement erupted from them, and while Angela and Akira were hugging Rose, Broadway and Lexington clapped Brooklyn on the back and side-hugged him.

"Congratulations, guys," Angela exclaimed, "oh my goodness, that's so exciting!"

"Thank you," Rose said, smiling and leaning back into Brooklyn's arms. "We are very excited!"

"It'll be interesting to see what we have, as well," Broadway said, holding Angela. "But, we won't know until the egg hatches."

"It'll be so fun to see," Rose said kindly. "The Terminegger will be a wonderful addition to our family!"

"Our kids can play together," Angela said, coming over and gently side-hugging her. "Now, all we need is for Akira and Lex to have an egg to join our kids. Just like the guys grew up together, our kids need to be the new trio."

Rose smiled but then noted an endearing look between Akira and Lex.

"Oh, don't worry," Akira suddenly said softly, "we will."

"What?" Brooklyn gasped, and everyone turned to face them.

"What are you saying?" Broadway asked, and Lexington's grin grew broader.

"Um, just that I'm a stud, and we are expecting an egg! Like most mates here, it's mating season, and our egg will be born in the Spring. It'll be the youngest out of your guys' kids, but it'll hatch a year from when it's delivered!"

When no one said a word, Akira threw her claws up in excitement.

"Surprise!"

Everyone exploded.

Rose rushed forward and hugged Akira and Lexington tightly. Angela was squealing, hugging Akira back, and congratulations were exchanged.

"I'm so happy for you two!" Rose exclaimed. "Gosh, how crazy is this? We are all either pregnant or having children near and around the same time!"

"I know," Akira gasped, laughing and cupping her still- flat stomach. "Six months, and I'll have an egg to deliver. It's the perfect ending to our crazy journey!"

"No," Rose whispered, hugging her, Angela, and Brooklyn to her side. "It's the perfect beginning."

Everyone smiled warmly at her and nodded in agreement.

"Wonderfully said, Rose," Angela said, then looked at Akira. "So, when did you find out you were expecting?"

"When we got to Avalon, from Ishimura, Japan," Akira said. "We've kept it quiet because there were so many things that could have gone wrong, and when the Death Curse took me, I was worried that my egg was gone… but…"

Rose's heart sank as she suddenly gripped Akira's claws.

"Oh, Akira…"

"It's alright," Akira whispered tearfully, "there's nothing to say. I knew my child would return to my womb because yours did." She cupped her flat stomach again. "Now, even though I can't see the evidence, I know our child is back inside of me. The symptoms are still there, and I can just feel the change in my body."

Rose smiled, then peered into Akira's eyes, using her powers to feel the difference and see hers and her unborn child's soul. To her amazement, she saw and felt the same light, as well. Nodding, she whispered, "It is. I can feel it too."

Akira and Lexington looked at her in amazement.

"Really?" Lexington gasped, and she nodded again.

"I can sense souls," Rose reminded him, "and Akira has another soul within her own. I can sense it. It's there."

Akira looked relieved, as if she was going off of guesswork, and gasped in true joy as she touched her flat stomach. Brooklyn hugged Rose to his side and kissed her head.

Good job, babe.

Rose smiled at his thought but couldn't help it as more tears continued to well up in her eyes. "I'm so glad things have turned out good for us all." Rose paused, then shook her head tearfully. "Akira, Lex, I had no idea. This entire time everything has been about us, but you were silently wondering if your own child had survived the Death Curse." Rose squeezed hers and Lexington's claws. "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Akira whispered, kissing her cheek. "You've been wonderful, Rose. Our child now lives because of what you did for us, and we are forever thankful."

Wiping away the tears that shed down her face, she smiled and nodded at them as Brooklyn hugged her tightly to him. She rested her face on his breastplate, silently thanking the stars that they were all right now.

That all worked out positively.

"This is crazy," Lexington sighed after a few seconds. "Our lives have changed so much. I mean, look at us. We have mates, and our eggs are being born or will soon hatch." He shook his head. "Just yesterday, it seems like it was just us three, Hudson, Bronx, and Goliath. Now, we've doubled our Clan."

"Yeah," Broadway added thoughtfully, "It's crazy but so nice to have found love." He nuzzled his head down upon Angela's. "We've also fought in a magical world war and won." He scoffed in amazement at the idea. "I mean, our lives have changed so much. What do we do now?"

Everyone looked at each other as if they weren't sure, but Rose looked up at Brooklyn and smiled lovingly at him.

"Home," she whispered. "Now, we go home."

**Almost there! :D**